Three puzzles in hierarchical evolution.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
The maximum degree of hierarchical structure of organisms has risen over the history of life, notably in three transitions: the origin of the eukaryotic cell from symbiotic associations of prokaryotes; the emergence of the first multicellular individuals from clones of eukaryotic cells; and the origin of the first individuated colonies from associations of multicellular organisms. The trend is obvious in the fossil record, but documenting it using a high-resolution hierarchy scale reveals three puzzles: 1) the rate of origin of new levels accelerates, at least until the early Phanerozoic; 2) after that, the trend may slow or even stop; and 3) levels may sometimes arise out of order. The three puzzles and their implications are discussed; a possible explanation is offered for the first.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- McShea, DW; Changizi, MA
Published Date
- February 2003
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 43 / 1
Start / End Page
- 74 - 81
PubMed ID
- 21680411
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1557-7023
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1540-7063
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1093/icb/43.1.74
Language
- eng